Ribbon Cutting Ceremony to Dedicate New Veterans’ Integration Center

(ALBUQUERQUE, NM)—Care for New Mexico’s homeless veterans is about to move to an even better level.

New Mexico Department of Veterans’ Services Cabinet Secretary John M. Garcia promised this at a special ceremony on August 31st in Albuquerque to begin the move of homeless veterans from its existing older building into a bigger and more modern facility.

Garcia was joined by Value Place Hotel chain Chief Operating Officer David Johnson and New Mexico Veterans’ Integration Center (NMVIC) Board President Larry Campos to sign the paperwork and cut the ribbon dedicating the hotel’s Albuquerque location as the new site of the NMVIC. The Value Place hotel is located at 13001 Central Ave. NE in Albuquerque.

“I want to thank Value Place for placing a high value on helping us serve our temporarily-displaced veterans,” said Garcia.  “The existing facility has served its purpose well, but the time has come to move.  These veterans sacrificed to protect and serve our country, so we’re proud to join Value Place in offering them this beautiful facility as their new temporary home.”

Of New Mexico’s 180,000 veterans, the U.S. Department of Veterans’ Affairs estimates about 7,000 are homeless.

The NMVIC had been housed in a 1950’s-era motel since the center was formed with the help of the NMDVS in 2003. It typically houses between 50-70 resident veterans. 55 of the Value Place Hotel’s 120 rooms will be set aside for displaced veterans. Each room is air conditioned, fully-furnished, and has kitchenettes.

The NMVIC program is partially funded by the New Mexico Department of Veterans’ Services.   In addition to providing shelter for homeless veterans and their families, the center also offers healthcare screening, counseling and job training skills designed to help residents get back on their feet.  It is the only such veterans’ facility in the nation.

“We are extremely honored to have this opportunity to help these veterans in their time of need,” said Johnson, who served in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War.  “It’s the least we can do for the men and women who’ve served our country. It’s our way of now serving them.”

The initial agreement is for a three-year lease. “But we hope our relationship will grow and last many more years beyond that,” said Johnson.

NMDVS Secretary Garcia said he’ll present this concept to U.S. Department of Veterans’ Affairs Secretary Eric Shinseki in Washington D.C.

“This is the perfect example of how a state agency can form a partnership with a private company to successfully serve the public,” said Garcia.  “I think this is a great model for other states to adopt.”

Value Place Hotels Chief Operating Officer David Johnson, NMVIC Board President Larry Campos, and NMDVS Cabinet Secretary John M. Garcia celebrate the signing of paperwork to move the NMVIC to the Value Place Hotel at 13001 Central Ave. NE in Albuquerque.	55 of the hotel’s 120 rooms will be set aside for displaced veterans and their families.